Switch Plate Covers, Wall Plates, Cover Plates, Electrical Outlet Covers - Understanding Home Hardware

There are a lot of names used for one particular typeroom to coordinate with different decorating themes
of home hardware that consists of a flush mounted– using a nautical theme plate in the bathroom can
plate that is attached to the wall and covers anbe a wonderful whimsical touch while using a
electrical outlet or switch. It serves the purpose ofreproduction Victorian design in the living room can be
concealing the hole in the wall and protecting the wiresextremely elegant. Try to coordinate your new cover
inside from dust and damage. This is also a safetyplate finish with the dominate finish of your other home
feature to prevent fingers or other objects from beinghardware to create a unified look. Note: not all
jammed into the outlet (although this is not the samematerials are available in every finish so check first
as "baby proofing" outlets with specially designedbefore committing to a particular style. 
covers). Configurations
Cover plates are a simple design that can be attachedA cover plate is most commonly used for switches
to any wall with small mounting screws. Understandingand outlets around the home or office. Standard
the type of plates available for the home is importantswitch plates can range from a single (1P) configuration
before buying any large quantity of plates – this isup to accommodating 5 (5P) switches. Larger switch
referred to as "configurations". Go through your homeplates may be available – check with the
(or business) and make a list of the different types ofmanufacturer for specific size availability.
electrical outlets and switches that require covers and Â Â 
the quantity of each needed (a simple tally will workOutlet covers (1O)
well for this). After the list is completed it is time toThese are designed to cover outlet plugs and come in
search for a switch plate style.a variety of configurations – including multi switch
Electrical covers can be the most overlooked area ofand outlet combined. This a common style used in
home design because they are readily available inbathrooms where outlets and light switches are close
many cheap materials (such as plastic). Takingtogether. 
advantage of the opportunity to introduce newToggle/Rocker Switch Covers (1R)
patterns or enhance an existing theme however is aThis is a large rectangle configuration allows for toggle
great way to tie the look of your home togetheror rocker switches. This is also available with single
better than most people imagine. It is in the smallerswitch and outlet configurations
details that a house becomes a home and electricalPhone/Cable Covers
covers are a big part of that.These consist of a small hole drilled out in the center
Designs range from basic rectangular covers with noof the plate. These are not interchangeable however
designs however to extremely ornate patterns thatso be sure to select the appropriate style for a phone
have been cast from heavy duty materials such asline or cable wire.
brass. Switch plate designs can vary from room to